Artsmith at Kangaroo House Opens Applications for Residency Until Oct. 16

By Jill Johnson

Artists, writers, and scholars are encouraged to apply for an upcoming Artsmith Garden Party Artist Residency at Kangaroo House Bed & Breakfast on Orcas Island. The residency brings together a cross-disciplinary group of creative and scholarly individuals so they can have time and space focus on the creation of new works.

Two residencies will be offered in 2010, from February 26 to March 5, and March 5 to March 12. Additionally, Kangaroo House is offering a one-week creative retreat on a first come first served basis. Up to five rooms and suites are available the week of March 12 to 19, 2010. Kangaroo House is offering rooms for $525 for the week, a discount of up to $805 depending on the room.

Hosted by Artsmith and the Kangaroo House, the residency provides one week’s lodging and breakfasts. In return, participants donate eight hours in the garden. Past Garden Party artists found the time in the garden restorative and inspirational. Writer Tina Schumann said, “To disconnect from my mind’s chatter and have to engage with my body and the earth is essential. Ideas and thoughts float to the top of my mind in a way that other activity does not allow.”

Artists also find great inspiration in the island setting, and have been known to spend hours painting, sketching, writing, and composing at Moran State Park, Obstruction Pass, North Beach, and Turtleback Mountain.

To apply for a residency, email a one-page letter of intent and work sample to info@orcasartsmith.org by October 16. Writers and scholars send 3-5 pages of written work, visual artists send three digital images, and composers send up to 10 minutes of music. A Peer Review Panel will select the recipients, and results will be announced in November.

For more information go to https://orcasartsmith.org/Residency, or contact Jill McCabe Johnson at similate@yahoo.com.